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Neil Patrick (John) Francis, excellently known as Neil Francis is a retired Irish rugby union lock forward (position) and number eight. He played for Blackrock College, London Irish, Old Belvedere, Leinster, and won 36 caps between 1987 and 1996 for Ireland. He sparked controversy on 16th February 2014 when he said that “gay people do not have any interest in sport” and that “only a tiny percentage are actively involved in professional sports of any kind”. Neil suggested South Africa’s win in the Rugby World Cup was “tainted by steroids” in November 2019. Additionally, the Irish Independent newspaper terminated his contract on 23rd July 2021, where he had been a columnist, following his remarks on one of their podcasts about British and Irish Lions player Marcus Smith.
Neil Francis sacked by Irish paper after ‘racist’ remark aimed at Lions star Marcus Smith
Neil Francis has been sacked as a pundit by the Irish Independent after making a seemingly racist comment about Lions star Marcus Smith. While speaking on the newspaper’s The Left Wing rugby podcast, Francis said of Smith, who is of mixed British and Filipino heritage: “A Harlequins out-half with a David Beckham haircut and an Oompa Loompa tan… you just couldn’t throw him in.” Smith’s club, Premiership champions Harlequins, quickly released a scathing statement in response to the former Ireland player’s comments, saying: “Harlequins is disgusted by racist comments made by Independent. ie columnist Neil Francis on the paper’s rugby podcast, The Left Wing, about Harlequins, England and British and Irish Lions fly-half Marcus Smith on 14th July”.
As a result of his comments, Mediahuis Ireland, which publishes the Irish Independent, has parted ways with Francis, saying in an article: “Neil Francis’s remarks were unacceptable and he has apologized for them. In the same article, Francis wrote: “I was, I suppose, making comment on how backs, in particular, turn out when they enter the field. “At all stages, this is what I meant by those comments.” He added: “I would never intentionally or wilfully make a comment to disparage somebody on the basis of the color of anyone’s skin. Never! The comments have been interpreted differently from what I intended and I apologize sincerely for that. “I fully apologize for any offense taken by the player and his family. I intend to apologize directly to him shortly if he is agreeable. I also apologize to anyone who also took offense to what I said.”
Famous For
- Being a retired Irish rugby union lock forward and number eight.
- For playing for Blackrock College, London Irish, Old Belvedere, Leinster.
Source: @independent.ie
Where is Neil Francis from?
Neil Francis stepped for the very first time on 17th March 1964 in Dublin, Ireland. He took birth with the real name of Neil Patrick (John) Francis holding Irish nationality. He came from Irish-white ethnic background. His religion is Christian and his race is white. Neil has celebrated his 57th birthday recently in 2021 and as per his birthdate, his star sign is Pisces. He has not shared any details regarding his parents and education qualification.
Is Neil Francis Married?
Neil Francis is an unmarried guy. There is not much about his personal relation and girlfriend as he always maintains a distance in his personal life and media. As of now, we can assume that he is currently living a single life. He was voted by Playgirl as “The World’s Sexiest Man”, narrowly beating Mr. T and Geraldo Rivera” in 1986. Talking about his sexual orientation, he is straight.
Source: @independent.ie
What is the Net Worth of Neil Francis?
Neil Francis has a net worth of between $1 million to $5 million as of 2021. He has also a handsome amount of salary which is also thousands of dollars per year. With his calm and easy-going personality, he is expected to get more popular in the coming years. Neil has not done any endorsement work yet. His major source of income is from his rugby career.
How tall is Neil Francis?
Neil Francis is 1.98 m tall whereas his body weighs around 119 kg. He has maintained his shape over the years with regular exercise it seems. Neil has good-looking brown hair and dark brown eyes color. He is athletic by body build. His body measures have not been disclosed yet.
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